Rolex 24

January 26-27, 2013

 

 

We arrived with the sun on Saturday morning to see the Daytona International Speedway come alive for the Rolex 24.  I was excited to be doing something very different from our usual camping venues.  We hung out with our neighbors, Cathy and Russ, sharing in the day's festivities.  After setting up camp, we all set off to explore.  Lots of interesting people, displays, and activities back dropped by the deafening noise of the race cars as they made endless laps around the track. 

 

The weather was perfect!

 

One of our goals was to find the Chili Cook off competition.  Well, we found it and managed to sample over 10 different kinds of chili.  When we couldn't take another bite we voted for our favorite recipe.  Later that evening we attended the wine tasting event and got pleasantly buzzed as the race continued to rage all around us.

 

 Somehow we managed to sleep thru the noise.  I awoke at 5AM and made my way outside to view the race from the empty grandstand and watch the sun come up.  The drivers seemed to be oblivious to the sleeping fans.

The race ended about 3PM on Sunday afternoon and it was quite astounding when the engines stopped and we could hear quiet for the first time in 24 hours.  I don't even remember who won but I will never forget this experience.